Which body temperature measurement site is considered most accurate?

The rectal temperature measurement site is considered the most accurate for several reasons. It is located internally, which means it is less influenced by external factors like ambient temperature or recent food and drink intake, providing a more stable reading of the body's core temperature. In many clinical settings, rectal thermometers are standard for assessing temperature, especially in infants or patients who are unable to speak, since it can detect slight variations that may indicate fever or hypothermia more reliably than other methods.

Other sites, while useful, do not provide the same level of precision. Oral measurements can be affected by recent drinking or eating, armpit measurements often give lower readings due to being surface-oriented, and eardrum readings can vary based on techniques and equipment. Thus, for clinical accuracy and essential health assessments, rectal temperature measurement stands out as the preferred method.